North Downs Line signalling upgrade

We’re renewing level crossings and signalling between Shalford and Gomshall for a safer, more reliable railway.

Project timeline

We will be continuing our work on the North Downs Line in September 2024 having started surveys in the areas in 2021, and plan to finish work on the new level crossings in 2025. 

What work is taking place?

We will be upgrading four level crossings on the line; Chilworth, Tangley, Brook and Burrows Lane. Our engineers will also be upgrading the signalling between Shalford and Gomshall.  

All four crossings will have new signalling installed and will feedback to Guildford Area Signalling Centre.  

Brook and Burrows Lane level crossings are being replace by state-of-the-art level crossing technology to make them safer for both trains and road users. The crossings will be fitted with radars that will scan the crossing before a train approaches, only lowering the barriers once all vehicles are clear. 

Meanwhile Chilworth and Tangley level crossings will be fitted with CCTV systems and be monitored by a signaller, who will observe the crossings, lowering the barriers when safe to do so. 

As part of these works, we will also be upgrading 16 signals along this stretch of railway. Newer equipment means faults are less likely to occur, providing more reliable services for passengers. 

When is the work taking place?

This September, we will begin the main construction phase, working mostly at night on weekends, and during a line closure in February 2025 to carry out the work.

After the February work, we will need further weekends to fully install the crossings, which will be operational in October 2025.

Why is the work needed?

The level crossings are now out-dated and need replacing to maintain a reliable and safe railway for passengers and road users. These works will increase resilience, through the installation of intelligent modern equipment which allows remote monitoring. The new crossings have also been designed to be easier to maintain.

Burrows Lane, Tangley and Brook crossings are currently three of the riskiest crossings on the route, but these improvements will decrease the risk of an incident at these crossings by 97%.

How will this work affect me?

In order to complete these works, at times we will need to close the roads that the level crossings sits on, as well as the railway itself.

Brook Level Crossing closures

Burrows Lane Level Crossing closures

Tangley Level Crossing closures

Get in touch

If you have any questions about the work we’re doing on the North Downs Line, please contact us by visiting our contact us page or by calling our 24-hour national helpline on 03457 11 41 41.